rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryparagonModel of excellence
noun

paragon

PAIR-uh-gahn/ˈpærəɡɑːn/

A perfect example of a quality or virtue.

The instructor presents the beautifully proportioned vase as a paragon of craftsmanship.

A pottery instructor presents a beautifully proportioned vase as the model for an apprentice, whose matching vase is visibly uneven.
Etymology
paraGreekon the side
+gonGreekwhetstone

The pieces evoke sharpening against a whetstone; the word later referred to a touchstone used to test gold. From this means of judging quality came the figurative sense of a model of excellence.

In context

Ion Books262:06
I never knew a woman who could say pretty things to so many people at once." "You are making her out to be a paragon of perfection, Mr. Greystock."
The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope - Part 1/3 | Full Audiobook with Scrolling Text

More examples

  • My sister is a paragon of patience with young children.
  • Even paragons of honesty can make mistakes.
  • This cramped kitchen is hardly a paragon of efficiency.

Forms

paragon · paragons

Similar words

exemplar
An outstanding example, not necessarily a perfect one.
model
An example to imitate, without necessarily implying perfection.
ideal
A perfect standard that may not exist in reality.